Married To Darkness

"No," Salviana teased, "I mean you’ve grown radiant. And your belly—" she glanced down at the small swell, her fingers brushing it reverently, "—is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. How far along are you now?"

"Seven months," Florence said, wiping her tears with a smile. "The physicians say the baby is strong, though I swear if it kicks me any harder, I’ll march into the throne room and beg the gods to let me deliver early."

Salviana giggled, leaning against her shoulder. "You’re going to be a wonderful mother, Flo. Truly."

Florence sighed, her eyes softening as she looked at Salviana. "And you’re going to be... I don’t even know the word for it. I watched you once, Salviana—you were as kind as possible even when the court whispered about you, when they judged you for marrying Alaric. But now... you’re sitting here like you belong, and you know they can’t take more from you. like no one can take that from you."

Salviana’s expression flickered, her fingers tightening slightly around her teacup. "I don’t know if I belong here, Flo. But... I belong with him. And maybe that’s enough for now."

Florence smiled, and they sipped their tea for a while in comfortable silence before the conversation shifted—inevitably—to court life.

Florence’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, her eyes sparkling despite the tears that lingered. "You missed quite a few entertaining dinners while you were away."

Salviana raised an eyebrow. "Entertaining? Or disastrous?"

Florence laughed, covering her mouth. "Both. Queen Sansa has been hosting grand dinners every week to ’maintain appearances.’ But the nobles can barely eat without insulting each other. Last week, Lord Sakura accused Lady Kara of using love potions because her husband stopped glaring at her for once. She threw her wine at him. Red wine. On his white silk tunic."

Salviana snorted into her tea, nearly spilling it. "Gods, I wish I had been there."